In March 2022, Michelle Kang purchased the Washington Spirt, becoming the first woman of color to own a National Women’s Soccer League team. She aims to level up women’s soccer by creating an international network for soccer clubs.
The sale of the Washington Spirit was only made after a continuous debate; players and fans called out to Steve Baldwin, the team’s chief executive, to sell the team to Ms. Kang. The discussion was in hopes of ending the allegations of abuse brought against the team’s former coach, Albertin Montoya.
Before Ms. Kang joined the Washington Spirit, she was a successful businesswoman. Ms. Kang grew up in Seoul, where education was most valued. Her mother always demanded excellence, and her father told her he could do many things.
Soon after, Ms. Kang explored the field of business and economics, where she realized her dreams could take her somewhere further than just her hometown. She realized the business world was in America, so she studied elsewhere. Ms. Kang then earned a degree in economics from the University of Chicago and a master’s from Yale.
Ms. Kang hopes to piece together other teams as the Washington Spirit team owner. Her profile is rising as she tries to encompass both the Spirit and the French club Olympique Lyonnais into one team. Many are questioning how she will do in this position.
The players and staff have faced a toxic workplace culture in which they faced abusive allegations and accusations.
“I don’t want to overplay that I’m a woman or a person of color; therefore, I’m the only one who can understand our players,” she said, speaking of members of the Washington Spirit.
The sale of the Washington Spirit was only made after a continuous debate; players and fans called out to Steve Baldwin, the team’s chief executive, to sell the team to Ms. Kang. The discussion was in hopes of ending the allegations of abuse brought against the team’s former coach, Albertin Montoya.
Before Ms. Kang joined the Washington Spirit, she was a successful businesswoman. Ms. Kang grew up in Seoul, where education was most valued. Her mother always demanded excellence, and her father told her he could do many things.
Soon after, Ms. Kang explored the field of business and economics, where she realized her dreams could take her somewhere further than just her hometown. She realized the business world was in America, so she studied elsewhere. Ms. Kang then earned a degree in economics from the University of Chicago and a master’s from Yale.
Ms. Kang hopes to piece together other teams as the Washington Spirit team owner. Her profile is rising as she tries to encompass both the Spirit and the French club Olympique Lyonnais into one team. Many are questioning how she will do in this position.
The players and staff have faced a toxic workplace culture in which they faced abusive allegations and accusations.
“I don’t want to overplay that I’m a woman or a person of color; therefore, I’m the only one who can understand our players,” she said, speaking of members of the Washington Spirit.
